Whether you’re looking for an alternative to your smartphone, or reminiscing about older technology, you might be aware of the buzz surrounding film-based photos. The Japanese firm Ricoh surprised the camera world in 2024 with their announcement of their first new film camera in almost 30 years.
They called it the Pentax 17, and it’s been winning awards across the world from critics and photographers. Time Magazine acclaimed the 17 as one of the 100 best inventions of 2025. The camera is compact and well-built with a great shutter action and a pleasing ease of use. It’s called the 17 because it produces half-frame images compared to the older 35mm cameras, but the images are sharp. They’re also Portrait-based, matching the preferred Instagram dimensions. The new Pentax has appealed to a generation that wants to slow things down, compose carefully, and make decisions. The half-frame format means you get 72 images from a 36-exposure roll of film, so it’s economical too.
Another new camera of interest is the Lomography MCA-1, a full frame compact with a fixed 32mm lens that produces a distinctive image that some love while others question for authenticity. Introduced in late 2025, it is attracting interest for its metal body and its choice of manual or auto shooting. Lomography also produces a range of colour films that deliver a nostalgic gleam.
There are other fine options, such as searching out a used camera from a reliable shop that has inspected and refurbished their trade-ins. Many of these shops provide a service called CLA – an acronym for “Clean, Lubricate, and Adjust.” That will ensure the camera functions properly. Bargains are available and you may find yourself owning a vintage model such as a Pentax K1000, a Nikon FE or a Canon AE-1; they deliver classic styling and handling. Find one with a standard 50 mm lens and buy a lens filter to protect the camera and you’re all set.
Don’t worry about telephoto or macro lenses to begin as great pictures are more commonly produced with the 50mm. As for film choice, if you’re into black and white, begin with Ilford XP2 -400 or Kodak Tri-Max 400; for color, go with Kodak Portra 400 or CineStill 400D for a vintage look and feel. Medium speed films will work in all sorts of lighting conditions and will also scan well for conversion to a digital image that retains a filmic presentation.
Remember this – with a film camera, you don’t take pictures. You make pictures…
“One of the most fascinating cultural shifts driving film’s comeback is the rise of AI-generated imagery. While AI art tools can create stunningly realistic visuals in seconds, they raise questions about authorship, originality, and even truth in photography.” ~ Pete Luckhurst, 2025
Location: White Rock, British Columbia
Date: Winter 2026
Source: Nikon FE film camera capturing a Pentax ME Super film camera
